Civics made simple

Parents should educate their kids early on about the importance of our electoral process.
(Associated Press File Photo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - ALL SHORES - On July 1, 1971, the legal voting age in America was officially changed to 18. Since then, the participation rate of young Americans in our voting process has fluctuated. During the 2008 presidential election, the turn-out among young eligible voters (ages 18 to 29) ticked up to a 51 percent participation rate, according to the U.S. Census CPS, November 1972-2008.

However, thanks to a weak economy, a lackluster job forecast and a very low-key mid-term election season for Staten Island, I wonder how many young or first-time voters will take time out of their day to do their civic duty. The only seat being contested is for the county's District Attorney. Incumbent Daniel Donovan is running against attorney Michael Ryan.

To help me pass along some advice about why we need to teach our children about politics and the importance of voting, I turned to two local experts – City Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn) and first-time candidate Alex Borgognone who is running for Congress in 2012.

Elections have consequences and the course of events changes, based on who wins, said Oddo, who's been in the City Council since 1999. Policies can take vastly different directions, so voters need to think carefully about who they choose to serve in office.

Oddo is passionate about encouraging Staten Island's younger constituents to get out and vote, even for races involving non-high profile seats and occurring in non-presidential electoral years. He is even more passionate about getting young Staten Islanders, not yet eligible to vote, to stay informed about politics and local current events, so they are well prepared, well informed and tuned in to what is happening around them.

"It really is very simple," said Oddo. "To get the Cliff's Notes version of what's going on locally in Staten Island and around the world, all a kid has to do is pick up the Staten Island Advance."

Oddo recalls that, when he was growing up, dinner conversations were often based on what was in the newspaper. Although the councilman understands that mobile devices have reduced the attention span of the younger generation, he also offered this observation.

"This should be the most well-informed generation," he said. "These tools should not be used as a distraction, but instead, as a way to know what is going on around you."

Oddo suggests that parents invest in the traditional black and white newspaper, and read headlines and short pieces to their children daily. "To be well informed is to have power. When George Washington won the presidential election, it took him two weeks to find out," he said.

The councilman suggests that by giving kids the tools they need to stay current on local events, we are giving them the power to change the system in the future.

Democratic congressional hopeful Borgognone is just getting started in the world of politics. A co-owner of a restaurant in the Bronx, Borgognone is enthusiastic about his run for a seat in Washington, D.C.

"Everything I do, I do it for the future and for my kids," he said.

Borgognone, a resident of Silver Lake, is a father to a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. "I tell them that daddy is working hard to help everyone," he concluded.

Borgognone is eager to take on the role of public servant and to effect change in a very disappointing economy. He understands the economic frustrations many Staten Islanders are experiencing. He likens his approach to politics to running a restaurant. "It's like a business. If the politician you elected is not working for you, he needs to be replaced with someone who will," he said.

Borgognone said families should feel comfortable enough to know the person before they know the person as a politician. "Go out and meet your representative, or the person running to be your representative. Get to know them, talk to them, relate to them," he said.

This isn't too hard on Staten Island. Most public officials are family-oriented and out and about in the community. Meeting a candidate can help your child understand that politics is primarily about people. Hiring (a.k.a. electing) a person to represent your family's needs means that the candidate's views and desire to impact government are aligned with your own.

Borgognone's open-door policy, for instance, might come from being in the restaurant business.

"Whoever wants to meet me, I am more than happy to," he said. "I can relate to you, and more importantly, you can relate to me."